Can't decide on a digital camera

[el_vaquero]

I've been wanting to get a Canon Digital Rebel XTi for a while, but I saw this camera and could save quite a bit. Any opinions on the Canon PowerShot S3 IS? Should I save up for the Rebel? I'm not a pro, just want to use it mainly for family and outdoor wildlife pics. The smaller body and fixed lens would probably be better for camping, backpacking and hunting.....

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controll...p;modelid=13077

 

[gil850]

Well, that's kinda comparing apples and oranges.

The Digital Rebel is an SLR camera (interchangeable lenses) and the S3IS is a "point and shoot" (a sophisticated one though).

The S3IS is a very powerful compact camera that would be great for hunting, backpacking, camping, etc. as it is small enough to fit into a backpack or just carry around. It will take great pictures of family, camping, fishing, pets, wildlife, etc...

Now the Digital Rebel will do the same but it's bigger and offers much more functionality and (practically) limitless potential. But, you need to buy mulitple lenses to realize that potential (and spend lots of time learning about photography) - so you end up carrying a bigger camera, plus a couple lenses and before you know it, you have a backpack (or two) completely filled by just your camera. And quality lenses often times cost well more than the camera itself.

So, unless you're comitted to spending more money after you buy the camera and spending a lot of time learning the functions of the camera, basically being really comitted to learning all the aspects of photgraphy, I'd say you're probably better off saving the money and going with the S3IS. It's a great little camera.

Ask away if you have more ?'s.

Gil

 

[el_vaquero]

I have pretty much decided on the high end point and shoot....

It's between the S3 IS, the Sony DSC H5, or the Panasonic FZ30. Any recommendations?

Thanks...

 

[gil850]

Those are all very good cameras with very evenly matched specs. Here is a comparison of all 3.

S3IS - H5 - FZ30

I'd lean toward either the S3IS or the FZ30. The FZ30 is bigger and heavier, but also has a few extra features, making it just about as close as you can get to a true SLR camera (minus the interchangeable lenses). Compared to the S3IS, it allows you to change the image ratio (from standard 4X6 pictures to 16:9 like a widescreen TV). It has a slightly sharper LCD screen, a slightly stronger flash, RAW and TIFF files (which allow more post processing options), and it uses a rechargeable battery instead of AA's (which could be a positive or a big negative depending).

You'll be happy with any of the three though I'm sure.

Gil

 

[Lan-Lord]

Yeah, flip a coin on those 3, either of them would be a good choice. The lens on the S3 is a little faster (larger aperture) with an f/2.7 (lil better for low-light and portraits/macros) vs the f/2.8 on the other 2. The FZ goes a lot smaller at f/11 (better for landscapes).

 

[radioleo]

Hello el_vaquero,


I have been into small point and shoot digital cameras for the last 5 years.

I hunt and fish alot..... what you want is something small and easy to carry.

There is ONLY one choice get the Panasonic DMC-FX50K sells for about $280.00

I already have a Cannon S-40, S-50, and S500.

My friend at work has the Panasonic and I love it will be buying one soon. Check it out below........

radioleo

http://www.pricescan.com/digiphoto/items/i...sp?sid=G5121258

 

[el_vaquero]

I looked at the panasonic today...it is a bit larger and heavier than I expected. Also, the fact that you cannot use AA batteries is a minus....

I did hear that canon may be releasing a new version of the S3 in Feb, so I may wait. It might have a better processor and increased MP

If that's the case, I'd get the canon. Anyone know anything about this?

By the way, thanks for all the input fellas.

 

[wtnhunt]

DSLR's and point and shoots really dont compare like mentioned above. I shoot a minolta digital slr, and have been very impressed with the camera. Sony is in the the digital slr market now with their line that I think is produced by konica minolta. Lenses are interchangeable between them.

Depending on what you want to do with the camera, some point and shoots might be better, they are lighter and smaller and the upper end cams take great pics, but they still wont compare in picture quality to dslrs.